Electricity grid modernization
Subtitle: progress being made on cybersecurity guidelines, but key challenges remain to be addressed : report to Congressional requesters
Publisher: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Washington, D.C.]
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 45
Subjects: Rules and practice; Evaluation; Electric utilities; Information technology; Electric power systems; Protection; United States; National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.); United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Other titles: Progress being made on cybersecurity guidelines, but key challenges remain to be addressed
Description: The electric industry is increasingly incorporating information technology (IT) systems into its operations as part of nationwide efforts -- commonly referred to as smart grid -- to improve reliability and efficiency. There is concern that if these efforts are not implemented securely, the electric grid could become more vulnerable to attacks and loss of services. To address this concern, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) provided the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) with responsibilities related to coordinating the development and adoption of smart grid guidelines and standards. GAO was asked to (1) assess the extent to which NIST has developed smart grid cybersecurity guidelines; (2) evaluate FERC's approach for adopting and monitoring smart grid cybersecurity and other standards; and (3) identify challenges associated with smart grid cybersecurity. To do so, GAO analyzed agency documentation, interviewed responsible officials, and hosted an expert panel.
Notes: Title from PDF title page (viewed on Jan. 13, 2011).

"January 2011."

"GAO-11-117."

Includes bibliographical references.

Mode of access: Internet from U.S. Government Accountability Office web site. Adobe Acrobat Reader required.
Table of contents: title: Background; title: NIST has developed and issued smart grid cybersecurity guidelines, but they do not address some key cybersecurity elements; title: FERC has begun reviewing initial smart grid standards but has not developed a coordinated plan to monitor industry's implementation; title: Electricity industry faces key challenges to securing smart grid systems and networks; title: Conclusions.